PVR Calculator
Calculate Pulmonary Vascular Resistance for assessment of pulmonary hypertension
Calculate Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
Normal: 10-20 mmHg
Normal: 6-12 mmHg
Normal: 4-8 L/min
PVR Results
Formula: PVR = 80 × (MPAP - LAP) / CO
Pressure gradient: 0.0 mmHg
Normal range: < 250 dynes·sec·cm⁻⁵
Normal range: < 3.1 Wood Units
Clinical Interpretation
Enter values to calculate PVR
Clinical Context
Example Calculation
Patient with Suspected Pulmonary Hypertension
Clinical scenario: 65-year-old patient with dyspnea on exertion
MPAP: 35 mmHg (elevated)
LAP: 8 mmHg (normal)
Cardiac Output: 4.5 L/min (low-normal)
Calculation
PVR = 80 × (35 mmHg - 8 mmHg) / 4.5 L/min
PVR = 80 × 27 / 4.5
PVR = 480 dynes·sec·cm⁻⁵
Interpretation: Moderately elevated PVR indicating pulmonary hypertension
PVR Reference Ranges
All values in dynes·sec·cm⁻⁵
Factors Affecting PVR
Factors Increasing PVR
- • Hypoxemia (low PaO₂)
- • Acidemia (low pH)
- • Hypercapnia (high PaCO₂)
- • Pulmonary embolism
- • Atelectasis
- • Vasoconstrictor drugs
Factors Decreasing PVR
- • Alkalemia (high pH)
- • Hypocapnia (low PaCO₂)
- • Exercise
- • Vasodilator drugs
- • Nitric oxide
Clinical Significance
Elevated PVR indicates increased right heart workload
Helps diagnose pulmonary hypertension
Monitors treatment response
Guides therapeutic decisions
Understanding Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR)
What is PVR?
Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) measures the resistance to blood flow through the pulmonary circulation. It helps assess the impact of pulmonary hypertension on heart function and determines the cause of any circulatory dysfunction.
Clinical Applications
- •Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
- •Assessment of right heart function
- •Monitoring treatment response
- •Surgical risk assessment
Formula Explanation
PVR = 80 × (MPAP - LAP) / CO
- PVR: Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (dynes·sec·cm⁻⁵)
- MPAP: Mean Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (mmHg)
- LAP: Left Atrial Pressure (mmHg)
- CO: Cardiac Output (L/min)
- 80: Conversion factor to dynes·sec·cm⁻⁵
Important: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for clinical decision-making.
Medical Disclaimer
This PVR calculator is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers before making any healthcare decisions. The accuracy of this calculator depends on the correct input of hemodynamic measurements obtained through proper clinical procedures. Clinical interpretation should always be performed by qualified medical professionals in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture.